Macstorm had helped me a lot while I was learning all the stuff there was to learn about being curator and being a staff member in general. In return, I asked him for any piece that he wanted in any way he wanted it remixed—a "thank-you" gift, if you will. He requested for Distant Worlds, the ending theme of Chains of Promathia, in a brasswind-heavy arrangement. I was more than happy to oblige and I coughed up this piece a few months back. I originally planned that only he and I would have the copy, so as to make the piece all the more special, but Macstorm decided it would be better if it would be featured here in Sound Test for everyone's enjoyment, so here it is.

Welcome, one and all, to what may be the last Sound Test update for 2008! The next update falls on the 19th, but I may be too busy during those few days around the holidays. I may be able to update, but don't count on it. Besides, it'll be my only break from hospital and academic work since June so plan to take full advantage of it, i.e. be the biggest bum on the face of the planet for a couple of weeks. Worry not, for my brain shall be preoccupied with creating more pieces for your listening pleasure as I wrap gifts and cook stuff for the holidays.

Speaking of gifts, I decided that this was the best time to feature this piece I made for Macstorm a while back. Ah, now I feel like Santa... minus the furry red coat, white hair and beard, and maybe a hundred (or two) pounds of fat as well as those co-morbidities associated with all that fat. I've actually thought of having a "Request Corner" made, but that'll be very difficult since I'm all alone in my section. As I've mentioned before, it takes a long time for me to finish a piece, at least relative to other artists I know. I also don't get a lot of submissions, so I don't get any "breaks." Add to this my academic load and, well, you get the picture.

Moving on to the piece now... As with my past mixes which utilize an actual, finite original source (unlike those endlessly looping themes), I tried not to tamper with it too much (see Exhibit A). A few note value changes here and there, some accents, counterpoint, a repetition or two or a verse deletion, and that's it. I don't know; it's just my personal philospohy about finite pieces. Anyway, give it a try! I hope you like it.

Well, I suppose that's it for this update. As I most probably will not have the chance later, allow me to be one of the earliest to greet you guys! Happy holidays! Take care!